This was one of, if not the toughest sports weeks I can remember. Tragedy marred the world’s most prestigious marathon, sent Boston into a frenzy, and triggered the nation into mourning. But it was also one of the greatest weeks in sports, with athletes, teams and fans going out of their way to show that, regardless of rivalries or allegiances, everyone was in Beantown’s corner.

I don't think they should sign Headley. His value will increase, if he's consistent in his stats, and at the trading line he's a deal and the Padres will get at least two true prospects. They need to build a franchise again.

Kevin

A high school classmate of mine named Kara Barnachea once picked the first two rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament completely right. She was in first place in an ESPN pool composed of more than 10 million people – and she made her selections based on mascots and colors.

I try to tell this story as often as I possibly can, but there is point pertinent to Kevin’s email. Sometimes I wonder if Kara can double as a baseball talent scout. Do you realize how many ‘prospects end up amounting to zilch? Are you aware of how many No. 1 overall picks never even reach the big leagues – including former Padres’ selection Matt Bush, who’s now in a Florida prison?

In 2005, I watched Brandon Wood set California League records by hitting 43 home runs and 51 doubles. He was a perennial top 10 prospect throughout his minor league career. Since debuting with the Angels in 2007, he has hit .186 in the Majors while tallying 18 home runs.

Prospects are key to an organization’s future, but they’re not easy to trust.

I see you too must have drank the Padres Kool-Aid.

Jim

Hey, if I’m trying to get through a Padres game, I’m gonna need something stronger than that.

On this special day my friends and I would spend hours sitting on the curb watching as the runners went through my hometown. President Obama probably said it best “Boston is a tough and resilient town; so are its people”. And just like the New Yorkers after 9/11 Bostonians will come together and be stronger than ever.

Mary

Seems to be what’s happened so far, doesn’t it, Mary? Speaking of New York, one of the more touching moments over the past week came when Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” – a staple of Red Sox games at Fenway Park – was played at Yankee stadium. Maybe sport wasn’t the distraction this time, but it serve as a prism for human compassion.

And just wait till next year. If you sit on your curb, you’ll watch more runners than ever go by.

Bill is also not to blame because his shortcomings with the Clippers had everything to do with his body, and nothing to do with his heart. But yeah, it didn’t help that league rules back then dictated that proper “compensation” had to be given to teams who lost star players to free agency. As a result, Kermit Washington, Kevin Kunnert and Randy Smith – all key figures in the team’s first-year success – were traded away because of Walton…who was never healthy with the San Diego Clippers.

Can you imagine if the Angels had to give up Jered Weaver and Albert Pujols after signing Josh Hamilton. They might be three games under .500 or something! Oh, wait…